Over 500 people from around the UK attended the fiftieth anniversary of the United Synagogue Choral Midnight Selichot Service which marked the 150th anniversary of the synagogue.

The service, conducted by Chazanim Lionel Rosenfeld and Jonathan Turgel, and accompanied by the Shabbaton Choir, took place 16th September 2006.

The 22-strong choir was directed by Stephen Levey and featured boy soloist Jonathan Artman.

The service opened with a welcoming speech from Singers Hill Rabbi Leonard Tann followed by the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks. Please click the link below to hear the Chief Rabbi's address.

» Rabbi Tann and the Chief Rabbi's address at the Midnight Selichot Service.

Co-chairman of the Shabbaton Choir, Maurice Black said: “We were delighted to pray and sing in such a beautiful and historic large synagogue, packed in both the men’s and ladies’ galleries.”

The congregation consisted of people from in and around Birmingham as well as many towns including London, Nottingham, Manchester, Leicester, Cardiff and Liverpool.

The choir would like to thank Sir Bernard Zissman, chair of the Singers Hill 150th anniversary committee, and the other committee members, for arranging such a moving and wonderful service.

» Link to the Shabbaton Choir website